Dynamic sitting device

ABSTRACT

A dynamic sitting device includes a seat  20,  a means for supporting the seat  30,  and a novel floor-contacting element  40.  Said novel floor-contacting element includes an outside edge  60  and a point  50.  Said outside edge is circumferential to said point, and is positioned approximately perpendicular to said means for supporting seat. Said point is positioned near the center of said floor-contacting element and sits a short distance below a plane defined by said outside edge. A user can either balance the sitting device on said point in order to rock and spin, or rest the device on both said point and said outside edge in order to rest or to roll in a circular fashion. This invention promotes active sitting through the function of said floor-contacting element. The invention allows for both a dynamic sitting position that allows the body to be involved in maintaining balance and posture, and also a position of lesser activity and bodily involvement.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

[0001] Sitting in common chairs for extended periods results in variousinjuries to the back or neck. Most health-promoting or ergonomic chairsattempt to remedy this problem by achieving an improved sittingposition, either through adjustability or a special sitting surface.However, it has been shown that no static sitting position is healthy ifmaintained for extended periods. This invention seeks to provide peopleinfinite variability in sitting positions as well as the ability to movedynamically and naturally between different positions while remainingseated. Active or movement-promoting chairs are common in the art, buteach example has certain drawbacks and lacks certain benefits whencompared with this invention. The following paragraphs are a summary ofthe art:

[0002] A. Multiple Rocker Elements

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 2,923,345 (Strauss, Alvin K.) is amulti-directional rocking chair. The chair allows movement along sixrocker elements that radiate out from a central point. Any movementallowed by this chair would be limited to the three axes defined by therocker elements, so infinite variability of position is not possible.Also, movement between the three axes would not be smooth and naturalFinally, the chair is so large as to be impractical for use in anyconventional setting.

[0004] B. Mechanical Means of Movement

[0005] There have been several patented movement-promoting sittingdevices that allow movement through the action of mechanical jointswithin the seat or support. Examples are European patent # 0 161 062(Takizawa, Kiyoshi), U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,930 (Glockl, Josef), and U.S.Pat. No. 5,630,648 (Allard, Peter B. et. al.). The seats of these chairspivot, slide, or rotate to allow movement between different sittingpositions. However, this movement is so loose and uncontrolled that aspring damper or boundary ring is required to provide stability in mostof the examples. The movement allowed would likely be unnatural due tothis need to artificially limit movement. These devices are mechanicallycomplex and therefore would be expensive to produce and maintain, andwould be susceptible to failure.

[0006] C. Dish-Shaped Base

[0007] The best examples of active sitting devices are those with aparabolic or dish-shaped base. Examples are Belgian patent #561720(Rosenkaimer), German patent # 48348 (Neuerburg, M.), U.S. Pat. No.4,025,107 (Chippa, Charles), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,944 (Boost, JulieAnn). These devices allow infinite movement while being very simple infunction. However, the movement provided by these devices is notdifferentiable into separate modes. Only a very loose type of movementis provided, without a more stable position where movement is limited.Because of this problem, their use would be limited to specialcircumstances allowing a high level of activity.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0008] Through the introduction of a novel floor-contacting element anda seat position that allow more activity, this invention solves theproblems that are present in existing examples of movement-promotingchairs and introduces certain benefits that are not currently availablewithin the art. Accordingly, several objects and advantages of thisinvention are:

[0009] 1. infinite variability of positioning

[0010] 2. a seat position that allows a relatively open angle betweenthe user's thigh and trunk as compared to conventional right-angleseating

[0011] 3. smooth and natural movement between different positions

[0012] 4. a differentiation between active and stable seating positions

[0013] 5. size that is consistent with standard seating devices

[0014] 6. mechanical simplicity

[0015] Due to these objects and advantages, the invention allowsomni-directional, infinitely variable movement as well as maintenance ofthe lumbar curve, so that the user can sit upright more easily and bemore active while sitting. At the same time, the invention allows theuser the option of enough stability for prolonged use in differentsettings. In addition, the invention would be durable and low cost,allowing for widespread application. Further objects and advantages ofthis invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawingsand ensuing description.

SUMMARY

[0016] As has been stated in the above discussion of objects andadvantages, this invention is a novel and useful device that promotesactive sitting, Through the function of a specially designedfloor-contacting element or base, the invention allows for an infinitelyvariable dynamic sitting position, while also providing differentiationbetween positions of activity and stability. This combination offeatures is not currently available from any example within in the art.In addition, this invention provides the above benefits whilemaintaining mechanical simplicity, rendering it very practical forproduction and widespread use

DRAWINGS Drawing Figures

[0017]FIG. 1A shows a 3-dimensional perspective view of the preferredembodiment of the dynamic sitting device.

[0018]FIG. 1B shows the top view of the preferred embodiment of thedynamic sitting device.

[0019]FIG. 1C shows the cross-sectional view of the preferred embodimentof the dynamic sitting device.

[0020]FIG. 2A shows the top view of the first alternative embodiment ofthe dynamic sitting device.

[0021]FIG. 2B shows the cross-sectional view of the first alternativeembodiment of the dynamic sitting device.

[0022]FIG. 3A shows the top view of the second alternative embodiment ofthe dynamic sitting device.

[0023]FIG. 3B shows the cross-sectional view of the second alternativeembodiment of the dynamic sitting device.

[0024] Reference Numerals In Drawings

[0025]20. seat

[0026]21. foam pad

[0027]30. means for supporting seat

[0028]31. means for adjusting height of seat

[0029]40. preferred floor-contacting element (interchangeable, withdurable protective coating on underside)

[0030]41. first alternative floor-contacting element (with durableprotective coating on underside)

[0031]42. second alternative floor-contacting element (with durableprotective coa ting on underside)

[0032]50. point

[0033]51. means for adjusting horizontal location of point

[0034]52. means for adjusting vertical location of point

[0035]60. outside edge

[0036]61. plate (interchangeable)

[0037]62. rim (interchangeable)

[0038]70. means for attaching rim to point

[0039]71. means for adjusting floor-contacting element

[0040]72. means for adjusting the angle of floor-contacting element

[0041]80. floor surface

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] With reference to the drawings, a new and improved dynamicsitting device embodying the principles and concepts of the presentinvention will be described.

[0043] Description—FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C—Preferred Embodiment

[0044]FIG. 1A shows a 3-dimensional perspective view of the preferredembodiment of the dynamic sitting device. The preferred embodiment ofthe dynamic sitting device comprises a seat 20 and a preferredfloor-contacting element 40 that are connected by a means for supportingseat 30. Seat 20 and means for supporting seat 30 may be of any suitableform or material. Seat 20 is covered with a foam pad 21. Means forsupporting seat 30 includes a means for adjusting height of seat 31.Preferred floor-contacting element 40 is constructed in the form of acone-shaped surface that is concave when viewed from above. Preferredfloor-contacting element 40 may be a discontinuous surface, comprisingseparate pieces or a single piece with cut-outs.

[0045]FIG. 1B shows the top view of the preferred embodiment of thedynamic sitting device. Seat 20 sits over means for supporting seat 30.Preferred floor-contacting element 40, which is cone-shaped, includes apoint 50 and an outside edge 60. Point 50 sits under seat 20, andoutside edge 60 is circumferential to point 50.

[0046]FIG. 1C shows a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodimentof the dynamic sitting device. Seat 20 is covered by a foam pad 21. Seat20 is connected to preferred floor-contacting element 40 by means forsupporting seat 30. Means for adjusting height of seat 31 isincorporated in means for supporting seat 30. Preferred floor-contactingelement 40 rests on a floor surface 80. Preferred floor-contactingelement 40 is constructed in the form of a cone-shaped surface that isconcave when viewed from above. Preferred floor-contacting element 40includes point 50 and outside edge 60. A means for adjusting angle offloor-contacting element 72 is incorporated in means for supporting seat30 so that the angle between the plane defined by outside edge 60 andmeans for supporting seat 30 may be adjusted. Point 50 is positioned atsome distance below a plane defined by outside edge 60 and is slightlyrounded. Preferred floor-contacting element 40 is interchangeable sothat the diameter and shape of outside edge 60 and the vertical andhorizontal position of point 50 may be adjusted. The bottom surface ofpreferred floor-contacting element 40 is covered with a durableprotective coating.

[0047] Operation—FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C—Preferred Embodiment

[0048] The preferred embodiment of the dynamic sitting device functionsto support a user at a predetermined distance from floor surface 80.This predetermined distance is proportioned so that the user's leg ispositioned at approximately a 60 to 70 degree angle when measuredperpendicular to floor surface 80 up to the back of the user's thigh.Means for supporting seat 30 is adjustable for different sized users.Preferred floor-contacting element 40 functions as a dynamic interfacewith floor surface 80. Preferred floor-contacting element 40 allows theuser to rock back and forth or to spin when only point 50 is contactingfloor surface 80, to roll circumferentially when both point 50 andoutside edge 60 are contacting floor surface 80, or to remain stationarywhen both point 50 and the front of outside edge 60 are contacting floorsurface 80. The adjustability of preferred floor-contacting element 40allows individual users to customize the novel behavior of the dynamicsitting device that has been described above.

[0049] Description—FIGS. 2A and 2B—First Alternative Embodiment

[0050]FIG. 2A shows the top view of the first alternative embodiment ofthe dynamic sitting device. A seat 20 sits over a means for supportingseat 30. A first alternative floor-contacting element 41 includes apoint 50 and an outside edge 60. Point 50 sits under seat 20, andoutside edge 60 is circumferential to point 50. A means for adjustinglocation of point 51 allows the horizontal position of point 50 to bechanged.

[0051]FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the first alternativeembodiment of the dynamic sitting device. Seat 20 is covered by a foampad 21. Seat 20 is connected to a first alternative floor-contactingelement 41 by means for supporting seat 30. Means for adjusting heightof seat 31 is incorporated in means for supporting seat 30. Firstalternative floor-contacting element 41 rests on a floor surface 80 andcomprises point 50 and a plate 61. Plate 61 is flat and circular andincludes outside edge 60. Plate 61 may be a discontinuous surface,comprising separate pieces or a single piece with cut-outs. A means foradjusting angle of floor-contacting element 72 is incorporated in meansfor supporting seat 30 so that the angle between the plane defined byoutside edge 60 and means for supporting seat 30 may be adjusted. Plate61 is interchangeable so that the diameter and shape of outside edge 60may be adjusted. Point 50 is constructed in the form of a hemisphere,and is attached to the bottom surface of plate 61. A means for adjustingdepth of point 52 is included so that the vertical position of point 50can be changed. The bottom surface of first alternative floor-contactingelement 41 is covered with a durable protective coating.

[0052] Operation—FIGS. 2A and 2B—First Alternative Embodiment

[0053] The first alternative embodiment of the dynamic sitting devicefunctions in an identical fashion to the preferred embodiment of thedynamic sitting device, except for a difference in the various means foradjusting the dimensions of outside edge 60 and the position of point50. The benefits provided to the user remain the same.

[0054] Description—FIGS. 3A and 3B—Second Alternative Embodiment

[0055]FIG. 3A shows the top view of the second alternative embodiment ofthe dynamic sitting device. A seat 20 sits over a means for supportingseat 30. A second alternative floor-contacting element 42 includes apoint 50, a rim 62, and a means for attaching rim to point 70. Point 50sits under seat 20, and outside edge 60 is circumferential to point 50.Means for attaching rim to point 70 is constructed in the form of one ormore radial members. Rim 62 need not be continuous: it may form aportion of a loop or a complete loop. Rim 62 is interchangeable so thatits diameter and shape may be adjusted. A means for adjustingfloor-contacting element 71 allows different sized versions of rim 62 tobe attached. A means for adjusting location of point 51 allows thehorizontal position of point 50 to be changed.

[0056]FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the second alternativeembodiment of the dynamic sitting device. Seat 20 is covered by a foampad 21. Seat 20 is connected to a second alternative floor-contactingelement 42 by means for supporting seat 30. A means for adjusting heightof seat 31 is incorporated in means for supporting seat 30. Secondalternative floor-contacting element 42 rests on a floor surface 80 andcomprises point 50, rim 62, and means for attaching rim to point 70. Ameans for adjusting angle of floor-contacting element 72 is incorporatedin means for supporting seat 30 so that the angle between the planedefined by rim 62 and means for supporting seat 30 may be adjusted.Means for attaching rim to point 70 is constructed in the form of one ormore radial members. Rim 62 is interchangeable so that its diameter andshape may be adjusted. A means for adjusting floor-contacting element 71allows different sized versions of rim 62 to be attached. Point 50 isconstructed in the form of a hemisphere, and is attached to the bottomof means for attaching rim to point 70. The bottom surface of point 50is positioned at some distance below the plane defined by rim 62 andmeans for attaching rim to point 70. A means for adjusting depth ofpoint 52 allows the vertical position of point 50 to be changed. Thebottom surface of second alternative floor-contacting element 42 iscovered with a durable protective coating.

[0057] Operation—FIGS. 3A and 3B—Second Alternative Embodiment

[0058] The second alternative embodiment of the dynamic sitting devicefunctions in an identical fashion to the preferred embodiment of thedynamic sitting device, except for a difference in the various means foradjusting the dimensions of rim 62 and the position of point 50. Thebenefits provided to the user remain the same.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0059] Based on the descriptions above, the reader will see that thisinvention of a dynamic sitting device provides functional benefits thatare not currently present in the art, while being more practical forproduction than many existing examples.

[0060] While the above descriptions contain many specificities, theseshould not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention,but rather as an exemplification of several of the possible embodimentsthereof Many other variations are possible. For example, the dynamicsitting device could be produced in different forms such as a stool(described above), as a chair with a backrest, or as a recliner. Theseat 20 of the dynamic sitting device could be altered in shape orconstruction, providing different kinds of support or padding. Thedynamic sitting device could be produced in different sizes for bothadults and children. The floor-contacting element 40, 41, 42 of thedynamic sitting device could be produced in many different sizes andforms such as circles, ovals, warped surfaces, surfaces with cut-outholes, or frameworks. The point 50 could be of different construction orsize. Finally, the means for supporting seat 30 of the dynamic sittingdevice could be constructed in different solid forms or as differenttypes of frameworks.

[0061] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined notby the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and theirlegal equivalents.

[0062] Sequence Listing

[0063] not applicable

What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected is as follows:1. A sitting device comprising: a floor-contacting element, a seat, anda means for supporting said seat at a predetermined distance from saidfloor-contacting element said floor-contacting element is constructed inthe form of a three dimensional surface that includes a recognizablepoint or apex and an outside edge said point positioned a predetermineddistance below a plane defined by said outside edge when measuredperpendicular to said plane, so that said floor-contacting element isconcave when said sitting device is viewed from above saidfloor-contacting element is constructed so that said point and saidoutside edge are capable of resting in contact with a floor surfaceconcurrently.
 2. The sitting device of claim 1 wherein said outside edgeis approximately circular in shape and measures slightly smaller inaverage diameter than said sitting device measures in overall height. 3.The sitting device of claim 1 wherein said point is located near thecenter of said floor-contacting element when said sitting device isviewed from above, and the lowest portion of said point is located adistance approximately {fraction (1/10)}^(th) the average diameter ofsaid outside edge below the lowest portion of said outside edge.
 4. Thesitting device of claim 1 wherein said predetermined distance betweensaid seat and said floor-contacting element is of the dimension that,when a user is sitting on said sitting device and said user's feet areresting flat on said floor surface, said user's upper leg is positionedat approximately a 60 to 70 degree angle when measured perpendicular tosaid floor surface up to the back of said user's leg.
 5. The sittingdevice of claim 1 wherein said outside edge, through some suitablemeans, is adjustable so that its shape, diameter, and circumference canbe varied, and said point, through some suitable means, is adjustable sothat its position both parallel and perpendicular to said plane definedby said outside edge can be varied.
 6. The sitting device of claim 1wherein said means of supporting said seat is adjustable in both lengthand in angle with respect to said plane defined by said outside edge. 7.The sitting device of claim 1, further including a durable protectivecoating applied to said floor-contacting element.
 8. The sitting deviceof claim 1, further including a foam pad covering the upper surface ofsaid seat.
 9. A sitting device comprising: a floor-contacting element, aseat, and a means for supporting said seat at a predetermined distancefrom said floor-contacting element said floor-contacting elementincludes a plate and a point said point positioned at a predeterminedlocation on the bottom side of said plate so that said point is attachedto the opposite side of said plate from said seat said point mounted bysome suitable means so that the distance of said point below said plateis adjustable said plate and said point are positioned with respect toone another so that both said point and an outside edge of said plateare capable of resting in contact with a floor surface concurrently. 10.The sitting device of claim 9 wherein said outside edge of said plate isapproximately circular in shape and measures slightly smaller in averagediameter than said sitting device measures in overall height.
 11. Thesitting device of claim 9 wherein said point is located near the centerof said floor-contacting element when said sitting device is viewed fromabove, and the lowest portion of said point is located a distanceapproximately {fraction (1/10)}^(th) the average diameter of saidoutside edge below said plate.
 12. The sitting device of claim 9 whereinsaid predetermined distance between said seat and said floor-contactingelement is of the dimension that, when a user is sitting on said sittingdevice and said user's feet are resting flat on said floor surface, saiduser's upper leg is positioned at approximately a 60 to 70 degree anglewhen measured perpendicular to said floor surface up to the back of saiduser's leg.
 13. The sitting device of claim 9 wherein saidfloor-contacting element, through some suitable means, is adjustable sothat said outside edge is variable in shape, diameter, andcircumference, and that said point is movable parallel to said plate.14. The sitting device of claim 9 wherein said means of supporting saidseat is adjustable in both length and in angle with respect to saidplate.
 15. The sitting device of claim 9, further including a durableprotective coating applied to said floor-contacting element.
 16. Thesitting device of claim 9, further including a foam pad covering theupper surface of said seat.
 17. A sitting device comprising: afloor-contacting element, a seat, and a means for supporting said seatat a predetermined distance from said floor-contacting element saidfloor-contacting element includes a point, a rim, and a means forattaching said rim to said point said point positioned at apredetermined location within a boundary defined by said rim when saidsitting device is viewed from above said point positioned apredetermined distance below a plane defined by the lowest portion ofsaid rim when measured perpendicular to said plane, so that a bottomsurface of said point is positioned at a greater distance from said seatthan said plane is positioned from said seat said point, said rim, andsaid means for attaching said rim to said point are positioned withrespect to one another so that both said point and said rim are capableof resting in contact with a floor surface concurrently.
 18. The sittingdevice of claim 17 wherein said rim is approximately circular in shapeand measures slightly smaller in average diameter than said sittingdevice measures in overall height.
 19. The sitting device of claim 17wherein said point is located near the center of said floor-contactingelement when said sitting device is viewed from above, and the lowestportion of said point is located a distance approximately {fraction(1/10)}^(th) the average diameter of said rim below the lowest portionof said rim.
 20. The sitting device of claim 17 wherein saidpredetermined distance between said seat and said floor-contactingelement is of the dimension that, when a user is sitting on said sittingdevice and said user's feet are resting flat on said floor surface, saiduser's upper leg is positioned at approximately a 60 to 70 degree anglewhen measured perpendicular to said floor surface up to the back of saiduser's leg.
 21. The sitting device of claim 17 wherein saidfloor-contacting element, through some suitable means, is adjustable sothat said rim is variable in shape, diameter, and circumference, andsaid point is both movable parallel to said plane defined by said rimand variable in distance below said plane defined by said rim.
 22. Thesitting device of claim 17 wherein said means of supporting said seat isadjustable in both length and in angle with respect to said planedefined by said rim.
 23. The sitting device of claim 17, furtherincluding a durable protective coating applied to said floor-contactingelement.
 24. The sitting device of claim 17, further including a foampad covering the upper surface of said seat.